2nd PhD in Clinical Pastoral Counseling Degree Online Program Description

Individuals who hold a Doctorate Degree in another discipline, which required a dissertation or practicum for graduation, may qualify for a second doctorate, that of Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Pastoral Counseling (Ph.D). Only four (4) advanced courses are needed (in addition to the eight (8) base courses) instead of the twelve (12) in the regular PhD program. Only 25 APS reports are required. Before applying for licensure, all students should be commissioned, licensed, or ordained. CTS can help with this process. This program is 48 semester hours in length. No dissertation is required. In fact, pursuing Clinical Pastoral Counseling at CTS offers unique opportunities for advanced study.

Each student will be assigned a mentor to help him or her throughout the program.

National Christian Counseling Association’s (NCCA) Certification/Licensure Program is not to be confused with state licensure. Most states have regulatory laws governing the practice of psychology. Many states also have laws governing the practice of general counseling. States recognize that counseling is one of the responsibilities of the church and its clergy. For this reason, the state does not interfere with the ministry of counseling as long as the counseling is provided under the following conditions: The counselor is ordained, commissioned, or licensed; the counseling service is provided by and represented as a Christian or pastoral counselor. Furthermore, Clinical Pastoral Counseling remains distinct from other forms due to these unique requirements.

Approx. total cost: $5,729

Core courses: The current cost is $425 for Clinical Pastoral Counseling foundational coursework at CTS.

Advanced courses: $376 – these contribute to the Clinical Pastoral Counseling doctorate requirements.

NCCA dues: $60; background check: $100 (both optional)

25 Arno Profile System (APS) Reports: $33 each

Four (4) Advanced Courses of student’s choice. Additional Requirements: Provide all required documentation per the enrollment agreement. Submit annual NCCA dues of $50. Respond in writing to 50 ethical questions posed by the NCCA’s National Licensing Board of Examiners. Complete a practicum. This consists of administering the Arno Profile System (APS) to 25 persons in your community under the direction of an approved clinical supervisor. Those interested in Clinical Pastoral Counseling must complete all these steps thoroughly.

Note: Becoming NCCA licensed is an option. It is not a requirement for graduating from CTS; however, it may enhance your Clinical Pastoral Counseling credentials.

Degree Courses

CC 601 Basic Christian Counseling

This course will cover, on DVD, an overview of the “Big Eight” (types of secular counseling and therapeutic methods). In addition, the student will be taught the difference between Christian and secular counseling, goals, techniques, and several other important topics, such as the dangers and pitfalls of counseling. Clinical Pastoral Counseling concepts are emphasized throughout this curriculum.

CC 602 Temperament Theory

This course is approximately 250 pages in length. The candidate will be provided with an in-depth background of the theory of temperament and the scientific and biblical basis for this theory. This course introduces a fifth temperament and the behavioral patterns of each temperament, which is highly relevant to Clinical Pastoral Counseling studies.

CC 603 Testing/Measurements

This course will introduce the student to the primary tests used by the NCCA. Samples of “Jane Doe” reports will be provided for the student’s review, and each student is provided with a “start-up” packet of testing materials. Such tools are integral to the Clinical Pastoral Counseling program.

CC 604 Temperament Therapy

This course is approximately 360 pages in length. The candidate will be taught how to apply the theory of temperament in a clinical setting. An APS start-up packet is included with this course. The student is authorized to begin administering the APS at this point, which is an important step in Clinical Pastoral Counseling practice.

CC 605 Christian Psychology and Counseling

This course is approximately 300 pages in length. The candidate will be provided with general information regarding basic theories concerning historical systems of psychology, counseling, biblical theories of counseling and the utilization of NCCA’s counseling model, Temperament Theory. Elements of Clinical Pastoral Counseling are threaded throughout the outlined content.

CC 606 Mastering Pastoral Counseling

This course is approximately 225 pages in length. The candidate will be provided with specific information regarding stress, anger, and guilt, with the emphasis on the need to develop family relationships. This course utilizes the NCCA’s counseling model, Temperament Therapy, which aligns well with Clinical Pastoral Counseling approaches.

CC 607 Temperament Case Studies

Clinical Pastoral Counseling course is approximately 154 pages in length. The candidate will learn firsthand the counseling model with which the NCCA members and graduates counsel. These case studies utilize the counseling method taught by NCCA, and they also incorporate other testing instruments with this model. This hands-on case study work is vital to skill development in Clinical Pastoral Counseling.

CC 608 Counseling the Codependent

This course is approximately 160 pages in length. The candidate will be provided with specialized training regarding codependency, which incorporates the counseling model taught by the NCCA. Techniques from Clinical Pastoral Counseling are embedded in the curriculum for comprehensive training.